"But there's a lot of good characters, a lot of good players, it's a homely atmosphere which is good for a side trying to get back into the Premiership.

"I've had that sort of team morale when I was at Blackburn and Everton and we achieved great things those seasons there because we worked for each other on and off the pitch. I'm sure that's going to happen here as well."

And the Londoner admitted that he felt it was like a home from home already at St Andrew's.

Far from hankering to be back in the capital - although Bent admitted that he didn't want to be too far from his daughter who lives there - he said he appreciated the way of things in the Midlands.

"I'm settled up north. I like it up there.

"Down south is too busy for me, too hustle and bustle, too much smog.

"It's a bit more chilled here, people are a bit more friendly."

As far as Blues playing credentials, Bent said he was impressed already.

"We've got a strong defence. Head, kick and get the ball down and pass - they can do it.

"Midfield is very strong as well, we've got a lot of skill in there. Lee Carsley I've played with. He's like a holding player who picks things up.